Classic Bhutan

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be met after clearing immigration and collecting your luggage. From here, transfer approximately one hour to your lodge in Thimphu, set amid pine forests overlooking the valley. The property offers a peaceful retreat within easy reach of the capital’s cultural landmarks. Enjoy lunch upon arrival.

In the afternoon, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a revered hilltop temple overlooking the Thimphu Valley. This active place of worship is often visited by local families who come to receive blessings and name their children. From here, set out on a scenic hike of approximately 90 minutes toward the monumental Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. Step inside to discover the thousands of smaller Buddha statues housed within. Tea and light refreshments will be served along the way.

Later, join local residents at the Memorial Chorten, where devotees perform traditional kora (circumambulation) in quiet reflection.

Return to your lodge in the late afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and acclimatize before dinner.

If you wish, begin the morning with an optional wellness session before breakfast.

Afterward, set out to explore the cultural highlights of Thimphu Valley. Visit institutions such as the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (13 Traditional Arts & Crafts), or the National Textile Museum, each offering insight into Bhutan’s artistic and cultural traditions. You may also stop at a local paper-making or incense workshop to observe traditional techniques still practiced today.

For a contemporary perspective, consider a visit to VAST (Voluntary Artists Studio, Thimphu), the country’s leading contemporary art space, or browse the adjacent fresh market, where vendors sell seasonal produce and local goods. A stroll through the capital’s streets provides a glimpse into everyday life, with opportunities to explore handicrafts, textiles, and artisan boutiques.

Continue to Pangri Zampa, a 16th-century monastic complex known as a center for astrology, where you may receive a traditional reading from a resident monk. Nearby stands Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress-monastery that houses the throne room of His Majesty the King and the central monastic body (visits subject to opening hours).

Return to your lodge in the late afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, depart Thimphu for Punakha, a scenic drive of approximately 2.5 hours. En route, ascend to the iconic Dochula Pass, where — on clear days — panoramic views stretch across the eastern Himalayas. Take time to walk among the 108 chortens that crown the pass before descending into Punakha’s lush, subtropical valley of terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses.

Upon entering the valley, enjoy a gentle walk through the paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, the revered fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kinley, Bhutan’s famed “Divine Madman,” known for his unconventional teachings and humor. The surrounding village reflects his legacy, with symbolic motifs displayed on local homes and shops.

Continue to your lodge and check in, followed by lunch overlooking the surrounding countryside.

In the afternoon, set out on a scenic hike along the river toward the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, a temple commissioned by the Queen Mother to promote peace and harmony. The climb, approximately 50 minutes through terraced fields, culminates in sweeping views across the Punakha Valley.

Return to your lodge in the evening and enjoy dinner at leisure.

Rise early for a scenic walk across Punakha’s terraced rice fields to a 16th-century hilltop monastery, where you will join young monks for a traditional breakfast. Spend time with the novices and the resident abbot, gaining insight into monastic life and daily routines within this peaceful setting.

Later in the morning, take advantage of Punakha’s mild subtropical climate with a 90-minute rafting experience on the gentle Mo Chhu (Mother River). The calm waters provide a relaxed and enjoyable way to take in views of the valley from a different perspective. Return to your lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, draped in prayer flags and spanning the river below, before visiting Punakha Dzong, one of the kingdom’s most striking fortress-monasteries. Set at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu, the dzong rises six stories and features intricate woodwork, vibrant murals, and expansive courtyards.

Return to your lodge in the evening and enjoy dinner at leisure.

After breakfast, depart Punakha for the scenic 2.5-hour drive to Gangtey. The journey climbs through the bamboo and oak forests of the Nobding Valley and over Lawa Pass, before descending into the broad, glacial valley of Phobjikha. This high-altitude landscape is dotted with traditional villages and ancient temples, and is home to yak herders and the rare black-necked cranes that migrate here each winter from Tibet.

Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy lunch while taking in views across the serene Phobjikha Valley.

In the afternoon, visit the Black-necked Crane Visitor Center, dedicated to the conservation of these elegant and endangered birds. During the winter months, several hundred cranes gather in the valley, making it one of Bhutan’s most important wildlife habitats.

Later, stretch your legs with a walk or bike ride along the Gangtey Nature Trail, which winds gently across the valley floor. Along the way, visit Khewang Lhakhang, a centuries-old temple known for its distinctive Buddha statues and original wall paintings. There may be an opportunity to exchange a few words with young monks before pausing to take in the valley’s quiet beauty.

Return to your lodge in the evening and enjoy dinner at leisure.

This morning, set out for one of Bhutan’s classic hikes along the Loma Longtey Trail. Beginning near Pele La Pass, the moderately challenging walk (approximately 3–4 hours) passes through open meadows and a small village used seasonally by yak herders before ascending to Kayche La Pass at 12,140 feet (3,700 meters). From the pass, enjoy sweeping views over the Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Village with a picnic lunch served amidst the highland scenery.

In the afternoon, visit Gangtey Village, a quiet one-street settlement, and explore Gangtey Goemba, a 16th-century monastery overlooking the valley. The monastery remains an active spiritual center, housing resident monks, meditation facilities, and a monastic school, and is closely associated with the revered treasure revealer Pema Lingpa.

Later, you may choose to explore more of the valley by bicycle along its gentle nature trails before returning to your lodge. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with dinner enjoyed at your own pace.

Depart Gangtey this morning towards Bumthang traveling a 4.5 - 5-hour drive along the East West highway amongst striking landscapes of natural beauty. Along the way, stop in Trongsa, the original seat of the Royal Family. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong in Bhutan and the nearby museum before strolling through the charming town.

Stop en route to visit Chumey Village, known for its brightly colored hand woven items made from wool called Yathra.

Complete your journey as you pass through the forests and arrive into Jakar Valley, home to Six Senses Bumthang at an elevation of 8,575 feet (2,615 meters). Settle into the serene atmosphere surrounded by blue pine trees and adjacent to the rushing Chamkhar Chhu river.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Feel free to stretch your legs after your journey with a 45-minute hike from the lodge through the surrounding forest. Or relax with a traditional Bhutanese healing therapy, or Dotsho Bath in which mineral-rich stones from the riverbeds are heated for several hours and added to the bath. The addition of Khempa, a medicinal herb, works with the heat to release muscle pain and joint stiffness.

At your leisure dine in the evening at Tongtshang, the lodge's signature restaurant inspired by the lodge's pristine setting.

After breakfast, set out to explore the cultural heartland of Bumthang, once considered the kingdom’s early seat of power and home to many of Bhutan’s most revered religious sites.

Begin with a visit to Jakar Dzong, the imposing fortress overlooking Jakar Town. From here, continue on a pilgrimage route — on foot or by bicycle — through some of the valley’s most significant temples. At Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries, join locals in a traditional circumambulation. Continue to Kurjey Lhakhang, where sacred spring water is believed to cleanse body, speech, and mind, and conclude at Tamzhing Lhakhang, founded by the revered treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa.

Return to your lodge for lunch. Alternatively, enjoy a special riverside lunch experience in a secluded natural setting, where a freshly prepared meal is served beside the water.

If time and energy permit, drive to the base of Zhugdra Lhakhang, often referred to as the “Mini Tiger’s Nest,” and take a short hike (approximately 40 minutes) to this cliffside temple. Later, stop at a local brewery to sample regional beer and cheese, or take a leisurely stroll through Jakar Village, browsing its central bazaar and traditional wooden storefronts.

Dinner is enjoyed at your leisure this evening.

Begin the day with a visit to the Fifth King’s Temple, an important site of devotion honoring Bhutan’s former monarch. Continue to Membartsho (the Burning Lake), a sacred river gorge associated with the 15th-century treasure revealer Pema Lingpa, who is said to have emerged from its waters holding sacred relics and a still-burning butter lamp.

From here, set out on the Bushman Hike, an approximately 5-mile (8 km) walk beginning in a quiet village and winding through pristine forest, with expansive views of surrounding mountains and farmland. The trail gradually ascends about 1,300 feet (400 meters), reaching an elevation of approximately 10,200 feet (3,107 meters). The hike typically takes 2–2.5 hours, ending in the small hamlet of Pemacholing, home to a peaceful nunnery that serves as a center of learning for Bhutan’s female monastic community. If time permits, a special photo opportunity may be arranged at the nunnery or a nearby private temple.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic natural setting before returning to your lodge. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with dinner enjoyed at your own pace in the evening.

After an early breakfast, transfer to Bumthang Airport for a short domestic flight to Paro.

Upon arrival, visit Rinpung Dzong, a striking 17th-century fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro Valley. Cross the traditional wooden cantilever bridge, Nyamai Zampa, before continuing to the National Museum of Bhutan, which houses an extensive collection of art, artifacts, and cultural treasures that illuminate the kingdom’s history and traditions.

En route to your lodge, enjoy lunch at a local farmhouse, sharing a traditional Bhutanese meal with a host family.

Check in to your lodge in Paro, set in a serene hillside setting overlooking the valley. If you wish, try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport, before spending the remainder of the day at leisure.

Set out on a guided hike to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Bhutan’s most iconic pilgrimage site. Dramatically perched on a cliffside high above the Paro Valley, the monastery marks the sacred location where Guru Rinpoche, the 8th-century Buddhist master, is believed to have arrived on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. As you ascend, your guide will share the legends and spiritual history associated with this revered site. A picnic lunch is enjoyed during the excursion.

On your return toward Paro, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the kingdom’s oldest temples, dating to the 7th century. Known for its serene setting and its famed orange trees said to bear fruit year-round, the temple offers a peaceful conclusion to the day’s exploration.

Return to your lodge in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest and unwind or to enjoy an optional spa treatment.

Enjoy one last cup of butter tea and a walk in the mountain air before departing the Himalayan kingdom. When ready, take a private transfer to the airport for your flight home.